Pattern/Fabric Weights

Pattern/fabric weights are a great alternative to pins. The main purpose of these pattern/fabric weights is to hold down the paper pattern or fabric in place while you draw or cut around it. They are small enough not to get in the way, but heavy enough to hold the pattern down. What a great addition to your Ditto projection system. These small weights can also be used to keep the tablecloth from blowing away outdoors.

What you need:

• Fabric – 2 - 4” x 4” pieces of cotton
• 1 shank button for the handle (optional)
• ½ cup of uncooked rice or other filler
• Matching thread
• Scissors (or rotary cutter and cutting mat)
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board
• Pins
• Hand sewing needle
• Sewing machine
• Fabric Folding Pen (optional)
• Point turner (optional)

Cut the fabric

1. Cut 2 squares of fabric 4” square. What a great way to use up your scraps.

2. Sew on the handle (optional) On the right side of one square of fabric, sew the button to the center of that piece.

3. Place the other square of fabric, with right side down, on top of the square of fabric with button (right side up). Pin on all 4 sides. On one side, mark an opening.

4. Stitch around all 4 sides, but don’t forget to leave the opening.

5. Clip all corners, being careful not to cut into your stitches.

6. I like to press the seam allowances on all four sides before turning.

7. I also like to use the fabric folding pen to press the seam allowance of the opening before turning.

8. Reach into the opening on the side of the fabric and grab the button. Pull it out and turn the entire fabric weight right side out. Use a point turner to push out all of the edges and corners.

9. Press the seam allowances flat.

Fill the pattern/fabric weight

10. Slide a funnel into the opening.

11. You can use rice, poly pellets, glass microbeads, steel beads, or anything else you have that could be adequate.

12. Try to fill the pattern/fabric weight as much as you can, but don’t overfill it to the point of bursting. I found that half a cup of uncooked rice is enough.

13.After you’ve filled the pattern/fabric weight, you will need to sew the opening shut.

14. Fold the raw edges of the opening in and pin. This should be quite easy if you used the optional fabric folding pen to prefold the opening. Use a needle and a thread to sew the opening shut.

The pattern/fabric weight is now finished! Try different shapes and sizes.